Lightning is one of the five great elements, and is the purest and oldest element, since lightning itself, has existed since before the sage of the six paths. Today, lightning exists in many forms, an important example is electricity, which is a form of lightning, but like lightning jutsus, electricity is shaped by the hands of men, it's not lightning, it's a variation of lightning, this shows that lightning can exist in more than one form. Lightning attacks are a enchanting sight to behold, some lightning masters can release so much lightning energy from their body, that they can use it as a defense and offense, and some can even manipulate the lightning in it's purest form, to make an incredibly fast lightning strike hit their opponent. Overall, ligtning attacks are quick and paralyzing, lightning is weak against wind, for reasons i'm not sure about, since it shouldn't really be possible to blow away electricity. Chakra infused earth or rock, would be a much more harsh opponent for lightning, since they can keep ligtning out. A good way to use lightning jutsus, is to use them in conjunction with water jutsus, since the salt in the water can transport electrified ions, thereby making them (you must excuse my bad english) lightning leadable? But in raw fact, lightning is weak against wind, and strong against earth.